Schiphol has its very own fire brigade, on duty 24/7. In case of an incident, they must reach any runway within three minutes – a strict international standard. Equipped with crash tenders carrying 100,000 litres of water and thousands of litres of foam, the firefighters are trained daily on the FireFly, a practice aircraft where different types of fires can be simulated. Their dedication ensures the highest level of safety for passengers and staff.
The airport covers almost 2,800 hectares of land, attracting many species of birds and mammals. Over seventy bird species, foxes, hares and even turtles have been spotted here. While fascinating, it can be risky for aviation. Bird controllers – in bright yellow cars – patrol the runways, scaring birds away with sounds, signals and pyrotechnics. Ecologists also monitor the balance between wildlife and operations, ensuring Schiphol remains safe while respecting nature.
When snow or frost sets in, Schiphol transforms into a massive winter operation. Hundreds of extra staff clear the runways within twenty minutes and de-ice aircraft with heated fluids. Office staff also join in, trained as “polar bears” to operate snowploughs. This collective effort demonstrates the teamwork that defines Schiphol: everyone contributes to keeping flights on schedule, even in the harshest weather conditions.
Not all professions are technical. Marshallers are the people guiding aircraft to their stands with precise hand signals.
Floor managers, on the other hand, work in the terminal, assisting passengers, preventing overcrowding, and ensuring safety in busy areas. They are the human face of Schiphol’s service culture, combining hospitality with vigilance.
From firefighters and bird controllers to snow teams and floor managers – all these professions together are the backbone of Schiphol. They are rarely in the spotlight, yet their work ensures millions of passengers can travel safely and comfortably. Schiphol’s strength lies in its people, whose dedication makes the airport one of Europe’s leading hubs.